Cleveland Police make pledge to victims of domestic abuse

Cleveland Police have set out how they will support and assist victims of domestic abuse by launching a set of minimum service standards.

The Cleveland Police Victims Charter has been developed during partnership working between the Force, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Domestic Abuse Partnerships.

It summarises what victims of domestic abuse should expect from the police during the investigation and the criminal justice process.

It’s hoped the charter will encourage more victims to come forward and will assure them that they will be believed.

The Force have chosen to launch the charter during the festive period, which can often be a difficult time of year for victims to come forward.

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger, who holds the Force to account on behalf of victims, said: “When victims take the brave step to report domestic abuse to the police, it’s essential that they feel like they are being believed and supported throughout the process.

“The development of the Victims Charter sets out exactly what a victim should expect from the Force and I’ll be monitoring how well it is being met throughout the next few months.”

Chief Inspector Helen Barker, head of Protecting Vulnerable People unit added: “Continuing to improve the response we provide to victims of domestic abuse is crucial in enabling them to have the confidence to report matters to us.

“Our Victim’s Charter will provide them with the reassurance that they will be dealt with in a sensitive manner and I am hopeful that it will encourage more victims to come forward and report so we can ensure they feel safeguarded.”